Christmas handset shortage expected

Handset distributers 20:20 Mobile and Data Select have warned of extreme stock shortages ahead of the Christmas rush. Stock shortages have been blamed on the inability of manufacturers to source components for their devices. Limited supply of touchscreens and circuit boards for smartphones have been cited as key issues.

It was suggested by certain manufacturer sources last week Apple has been given unofficial priority for device components.

Shortages of lower-tier devices are claimed, also, however. Nokia warned its channels in July that component shortages were a major problem for the industry. Sony Ericsson chief executive Bert Nordberg suggested last week sales may be affected during the Christmas quarter due to shortages of LCD screens and printed circuit boards.

Distributors claim shortages of Nokia devices in particular, with limited supply of 1800, 2700, 2730, C7 and N8 Availability of the HTC Desire and Wildfire are constrained in the channel also. Sony Ericsson and Samsung stock is expected to be limited as well. There were no claims of shortages of Motorola or LG devices.